Coaching can be one of the most rewarding roles in sport—seeing your athletes progress, build confidence, and grow on and off the field. But let’s be honest: sometimes it stops being fun. Whether you’re running kids’ football sessions after work or leading your local adult tennis group, it’s natural to hit a rough patch. The good news? You’re not alone—and there are proven ways to reignite that spark.
Why Coaching Starts to Feel Like a Chore
If you find yourself dreading the next session, you’re probably asking, “Is it supposed to be this hard?” Coaching, especially at the club or community level, often comes with hidden challenges:
- Lack of support: Many coaches feel they’re left to figure things out on their own.
- Time pressure: Balancing coaching with work, family, and life commitments can be draining.
- Player behaviour: Managing kids’ attention spans or adult group dynamics isn’t always easy.
- Burnout: Repetitive routines and lack of visible progress can sap your energy over time.
The first step is recognising that these feelings are valid and temporary. Coaching doesn’t need to be perfect—it needs to be purposeful and enjoyable.
5 Ways to Bring the Fun Back Into Coaching
- Refocus on “why” you coach.
Think back to what made you start. Was it seeing children smile when they nailed a new skill? Helping adults discover a love for movement? Reconnecting with these core motivations can reset your mindset. Still feeling stuck? This article on Developing and Reflective Coaching Practice can help provide some practical tips. - Shake up your session design.
Sometimes, monotony is the culprit. Try incorporating more gamified and fun activities with meaningful challenges. Mixing things up can re-engage both you and your athletes—especially in youth sport. - Ask for help.
You don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to fellow coaches, club coordinators, or even parents. Delegating simple tasks—like equipment setup or attendance—can ease the load. There are also supportive networks such as the UK Coaching community where you can ask questions and share wins (and woes). - Celebrate small wins.
Progress can be hard to spot, especially in long seasons or when goals are vague. Start every session with a brief check-in and end with a reflection: “What did we enjoy today?” or “Who tried something new?” These mini high-fives matter more than you think. - Keep learning—but keep it simple.
Many coaches spiral when overwhelmed by complex theory or unclear development pathways. Focus on bite-sized learning moments. Here’s a Coaching Daily blog that helps explore how to keep things simple with participants, and keep the person at the centre of the relationship.
FAQs: Common Coaching Questions (And Friendly Answers)
“How do I deal with behavioural issues in junior sessions?”
Start by creating clear, consistent rules—set with the group where possible. If one or two players are consistently disruptive, consider what their behaviour might be trying to communicate. Are they bored? Anxious? Hungry? Great advice on this can be found at the Child Protection in Sport Unit.
“How can I boost engagement in mixed-ability adult groups?”
Try to offer variation and choice. Can players select from two drills with different challenges? Mix committed regulars with beginners in partner-based games. These kinds of mixed-ability engagement tips are covered in-depth by UK Coaching’s Guide to Inclusion.
“Is it normal to feel isolated as a coach?”
Completely. Coaching others can ironically feel lonely at times. Look for local or online communities where you can connect such as UK Coaching’s Connected Coaches.
Remember, Coaching Is a Journey
You’re not expected to have it all figured out. What makes you a great coach isn’t perfection—it’s the curiosity to grow, the compassion to connect, and the resilience to keep going. If the spark has dimmed, give yourself time and space to rekindle it.
Start small. Reflect. Refresh. Reach out. And most importantly—remember, fun isn’t a luxury in coaching. It’s the fuel.
Looking for more tools to energise your coaching? Check out:
- This Girl Can – support and ideas for motivating female participants
- Creating a Thriving Learning Environment
Happy coaching—you’ve got this!
